The increasing momentum of cross border attacks from Afghanistan’s Kunar and Nuristan province are threatening to alter the security dynamics of the Fata region altogether.
Observed closely, there is hardly any reason left for such a backlash as the primary target established by the militants is nearly achieved. Left entirely upto the mercy of the terrorists, the two provinces have been transformed into a militant oasis where senior militant commanders exercise their free will with apparently no threat from security personnel.
The latest attack upon outposts in Chitral where more than 33 security forces were killed from across the border spells for the need to delve into the matter more profoundly. The security forces have far exceeded and outstretched their services as they are seen juggling through various duties of military and non-military nature. Suffering from the largest number of soldier casualties and deaths, the Pakistan army faces yet another risk from Afghanistan.
What is alarming in the situation is the fact that the militants are being backed, albeit tacitly, by the Nato and allied troops as they have been given a free rein to launch such incursions into Pakistan. These sanctuaries are among the strongest shelters the terrorist have established for themselves so far. It would not be wrong to claim that they pose a greater threat to peace in South Asia with an across the border extended reach.
Despite the US claims of exhibiting complete “intolerance” towards sanctuaries, nothing is being done to dismantle those in Kunar and Nuristan that houses Maulana Fazlullah, Faqeer Muhammad, Abdul Wali, Hakeemullah and many more. Surely, an operation against such individuals and groups is called for by the Nato forces in Afghanistan who threaten relations among the war allies and has impact on regional peace.
Serious action ought to be taken against such attacks by the Afghan Government and the US. It needs to be realised that Pakistan, at this moment, where more than 75 percent area has been cleared through military operations, requires support and understanding of the allies, not being stabbed in the back for services rendered. The Pakistani government needs to bring the gravity of the situation to the fore so that this new distasteful campaign of aggression should stop immediately.
PROFESSOR KABIL KHAN
Peshawar